Taking five kids camping is no easy feat. Heck taking any kids camping is a tribute to our parenting skills if they come home happy and wanting to go again the next time. We hiked just under 6km to Moul Falls with the kids this weekend. It was their first big hike of the year and they did awesome. The camping trip got me to thinking what we could do for the kids to help them along their way and foster their independence in a way that only being in the outdoors can. Here are some of the thoughts that we had:

1. Each and every child who is hiking on their own two feet gets a whistle on a lanyard and is instructed how to use it if you get lost – 3 short blasts and then wait and listen for a response.
2. Give each of the kids 3 and up a hydration pack with a couple snacks and some additional clothing in it. They will be sure to stay hydrated when they can be in control of thier sipping and can have their very own snacks when it is break time.
3. Take your time and be sure to allow for lots of stops. Affirm to your child that this is a hike and not a carry, we have time to wait for you to have a rest so you can continue. Build up their stamina with lots of shorter hikes (1-2km) before going on a longer one.
4. The world is a different place when you are 3ish feet tall especially a forest. Bring a flora and fauna field guide and make a stop a chance to learn about the plants around you.
5. A magnifying glass is the best camp toy going. So simple and yet I had never thought of it until now. The kids thoroughly enjoyed them and their 100 inch nature ‘hikes’.

We noticed that kids are a lot less picky when it comes to food when you are camping well maybe not a lot less but a little Oh and the best adult discovery of the camping trip – a section of the newspaper, rolled, tied into small sections with string and cut into small tubes then dipped in candle wax is the best fire-starter ever. And a solar oven is a must for summer time camping.